We have everything, but we are still unhappy

[air]

Why is it that while we have everything we are still unhappy? If we look into our own lives and the lives of others, we observe this behavior. Instead of counting our blessings, instead of being grateful, instead of being happy, we choose to be miserable. It’s such a dichotomy. Why would somebody choose to be miserable? Rather, it’s such a paradox. Why would somebody choose to be miserable? Well, one chooses to be miserable because one doesn’t understand the reality of life. One still acknowledges their ego. One lives as the body. If one knows that one is not the body –one is the divine spirit, then one would not attach himself to cravings and desires. Instead of appreciating the gifts that the Creator gives us, we greedily seek more and more and still more. Our need turns into our greed and our aspirations turn into disappointments. We are not able to be happy with what we have. We seek what we don’t have and become unhappy, discontent. Instead of enjoying the present moment, we keep looking at yesterday and tomorrow. Instead of looking at our own selves and being happy, we look at others and become unhappy. Even though we have everything, it is sad that we remain unhappy. The only way to change this is to realize the truth -that this life is very short and the purpose of this life is to be happy and ultimately, to realize God- the ultimate happiness. Instead of being happy and realizing God, instead of living a life of contentment and fulfillment, if we live a life of ingratitude and greediness, our life will continue to remain miserable and we will never be able to be happy.

AiR

[aceofcups]

[donq]

"I had a very bitter experience early in medical school. I was assigned to examine two patients. The first was a 73-year-old man. He was in every way an undesirable bum, alcoholic, petty thief, supported by the public his entire life. I was interested in that kind of life, so I took a careful history and learned every detail. He obviously had a good chance of living into his 80’s. Then I went to see my other patient. I think she was one of the most beautiful girls I had ever seen—charming personality and highly intelligent. It was a pleasure to do a physical on her. Then, as I looked into her eyes, I found myself saying I had forgotten a task, so I asked to be excused and I would return as soon as possible. I went to the doctors’ lounge and I looked into the future. That girl had Bright’s disease, and if she lived another three months she’d be lucky. Here I saw the unfairness of life. A 73-year-old bum that never did anything worthwhile, never gave anything, often destructive. And here was this charming, beautiful girl who had so much to offer. I told myself, 'You’d better think that over and get a perspective on life because that’s what you’re going to face over and over again as a doctor: the total unfairness of life.'”

Milton H. Erickson, a father of modern medical hypnosis

It's happened that I've just reread Erickson's books again recently and would like to share the above quote here.
I think a grown person will accept the real truth that "life is not fair. And it never will.' But while accepting this very truth, somehow he/she could find themselves at home. I mean they can find a comfort or even a happiness from this very truth of life.
This is not a pessimism. Not at all. I think it might be "the other way." Some kind of koan of life. Something that could solve a riddle of life, like this:
"Yes, okay, life is unfair. Then, what? I don't mind and don't care. I still can be happy. Yes, ok, they are rich, I'm poor. I don't mind and don't care. Yes, it's ok, they treated me badly. I don't care and don't mind. etc.!"
Sometimes a rough food is good for health, isn't it? While a sweet/tasty food is poisonous, isn't it?
The more I"m getting old, the more I realize that whenever I thought life is fair, a big trouble was lurking there. hahaha

P.S. I forgot my password and could not sign in here. And I had to use the option "Password recovery" again (it might be a few times now. hahaha) before I could post this one.     
 

[gruntal]

I think happiness is much over rated. Maybe a sort of chemical induced emotional state with an expiration date. Plus unlike scars after a wound you don't even have anything to show for it. I liken it to a full meal when you are starving. A status of appreciation preceded by want before fulfillment. I could agonize about this forever. You wouldn't want to spoil my happiness by leaving your seat and walking out on me ?

I do find things are more or less important. What was worth crying over when we were little isn't worth the tears anymore even as our fates are more then ever in our control. And that is very sad or vice versa. Listen to the RUSH song 'Losing it" and decide if it is better to try knowing the cycle of life and death will eventually ruin everything. Unless the adventure is an end unto itself.

You have been a good audience. I am just never sure if this is the dress rehearsal or the real thing. Or the final performance. Or when the act gets stale and you need to let the understudy take over.